Adjustable gun rest apparatus

ABSTRACT

A gun support apparatus is provided, which includes a base portion, a first arm member, and a second arm member. The first arm member is attached to the base portion. The second arm member is attached to the base portion. Each of the first and second arm members includes an upright member, a distal support member, a first link, and a second link. The first link is pivotably coupled to the upright member and attached to the distal support member, such that the first link is located between the distal support member and the upright member. The second link is pivotably coupled to the upright member and pivotably coupled to a distal end of the first link, such that the second link is located between the distal support member and the upright member. The second link has a variable length, and may include a dampener, spring, and/or friction element.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/630,323, filed Jul. 30, 2003, entitledAdjustable Gun Rest Apparatus, which application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/400,666, filed on Aug. 2, 2002,entitled Versa Gun Rest, both of which applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to gun rests or gun supportsystems, and more particularly to adjustable gun rests.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many existing gun rests have very limited adjustment capability.Also, many existing gun rests cannot be used with a wide variety offirearms (e.g., pistols, rifles, long-clip magazines, machine guns). Forexample, many existing gun rests may only be used for rifles that do nothave long clips or magazines. It may be desirable to have a single gunrest capable of being used for many different sizes and shapes offirearms. It may also be desirable to have a gun rest that may also beused for other household or workshop functions, as a tool, rather thanjust being useful to holding certain guns. Hence, a need exists in someapplications for a gun rest having high adjustability and versatility,and/or adaptability to other non-shooting uses.

[0004] Many existing gun rests do not allow for pivotal movement of thesupport arm(s) to allow for changing targets without moving the entiregun rest. In hunting applications, the target may be moving continuouslyor intermittently, and it is unlikely that the target will walk or flyto a position aligned with the existing position of the gun barrelsupported by a gun rest. In most hunting situations, it is critical toremain silent and to avoid sudden or rapid movements. Having to move anentire gun rest while it is supporting a gun may be noisy, cumbersome,and/or disruptive to the hunt. Thus, it would be desirable in someapplications to have a gun rest that allows the gun support arms to bepivoted easily, controllably, and/or quietly.

[0005] When shooting at a target at a long range, slight movements ofthe gun barrel translate into large deviations from the target. Hence,accuracy and precision of gun barrel movement becomes critical toproviding skillful long range shooting. Although most existing gun restsprovide for barrel tilt adjustments via one or more adjustable armsand/or adjustable feet, many do not provide precise or minuteadjustments for fine tuning an aim on a long range target. Also, manyexisting gun rests are unstable and cumbersome to adjust. In a huntingsituation, adjustments often need to be made quickly, controllably, andprecisely, especially for a long range target. Hence, a need exists insome applications for a gun rest that provides precise and minuteadjustment that may be made quickly, easily, and controllably.

[0006] Also, existing gun rests do not provide precise or fine-tunedwindage adjustments. When shooting at a long-range target while seekinghigh accuracy, the wind direction must be taken into account. Forexample, if the wind is blowing from left to right relative to theshooter, the shooter will need to compensate for the wind (direction andvelocity) by aiming slightly to the left of the target. For a long-rangetarget, minute movements of the gun barrel to the left or right willtranslate into much larger movements at the target. Thus, a need existsfor a gun rest that provides the ability to make precise and minutewindage adjustments.

[0007] Furthermore, many existing gun rest are affected by vibrations.Some gun rests even amplify vibrations. When shooting at a very longrange target, even the vibrations or movement caused by the shooter'sheart beat or pulse may cause enough movement on an unstable gun rest tocause significant aiming errors. Also, often a shooter will want or needto make several successive shots. In such situations, the vibrationsfrom a prior shot need to be quickly dissipated and/or at leastpartially absorbed by the gun rest to enable a rapid subsequent aim andshot. Thus, a more structurally sound gun rest that is less affected byvibrations or that even absorbs vibrations would be highly desirable forsome applications.

[0008] Weaker, injured, disabled, and/or handicapped persons who desireto hunt or target shoot are sometimes unable or limited in their abilityto do so. For example, a person that has an injured or disabled arm orhand may need the assistance of a gun rest to provide support for thegun. In such case, the shooter may be limited to one hand operations.Hence, it would be desirable to have a gun rest that is easily adjustedwith one hand, for example. Also, many existing gun rests are notadaptable for use with a wheel chair. Thus, it may be desirable to havea gun rest capable of being used from a wheel chair for someapplications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The problems and needs outlined above are addressed by variousaspects of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, a gun support apparatus is provided, which includes abase portion, a first arm member, and a second arm member. The first armmember is attached to the base portion. The second arm member isattached to the base portion. Each of the first and second arm membersincludes an upright member, a distal support member, a first link, and asecond link. The first link is pivotably coupled to the upright memberand attached to the distal support member, such that the first link islocated between the distal support member and the upright member. Thesecond link is pivotably coupled to the upright member and pivotablycoupled to a distal end of the first link and/or to the distal supportmember, such that the second link is located between the distal supportmember and the upright member. The second link has an variable length.The first link may have a variable or adjustable length. However, thefirst link for at least one of the arm members may have a fixed length.

[0010] Preferably, the first and/or second arm members are pivotablycoupled to the base portion. Also, the first and second arm members arepreferably both configured to pivot about a same axis. The base portionmay include an upright shaft extending along the pivotal axis for thefirst and second arm members, such that the first arm member ispivotably coupled to the upright shaft, and the second arm member ispivotably coupled to the upright shaft adjacent to the first arm member.The upright shaft may extend through the upright members of the firstand second arm members. A washer may be located about the upright shaftand located between the first and second arm members. The washer may bemade from a non-metal material.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first arm member may be configured topivot about a first axis and the second arm member may be configured topivot about a second axis, wherein the first axis is not aligned withthe second axis. Hence, the base portion may include a first uprightshaft and a second upright shaft, such that the first upright shaftextends along the first axis, the first upright shaft extends throughthe upright member of the first arm member, the second upright shaftextends along the second axis, the second upright shaft extends throughthe upright member of the second arm member, and the second uprightshaft is adjacent to the first upright shaft.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the second link for at least one ofthe arm members may include a shaft portion and a knob portion. Theshaft portion may have a threaded end. The knob portion may have athreaded hole formed therein, wherein the threaded end of the shaftportion is adapted to mate with the threaded hole. In still anotherembodiment, the second link for at least one of the arm members may be aslider link including a piston portion and a cylinder portion, whereinthe piston portion is adapted to slidably fit within the cylinderportion. The piston portion may include a friction element adapted toprovide a predetermined coefficient of friction between the pistonportion and the cylinder portion, for example. In another embodiment,the second link for at least one of the arm members may include adampener portion and/or a spring member.

[0013] The first link for at least one of the arm members may bepivotably coupled to the distal support member. The distal supportmember for at least one of the arm members may have a generally U-shapedcradle portion. The base portion may include three legs extendingtherefrom, and the legs may be pivotably coupled to the base portion toprovide an adjustable height for the base portion. The legs may haveadjustable lengths. The first arm member may be fixedly attached to thebase portion and the second arm member may be pivotably coupled to thebase portion. The distal support member for at least one of the armmembers may include a clamp portion. The base portion may include aplate-shaped platform portion. The distal support member for at leastone of the arm members may include a plate-shaped platform portion. Thedistal support member for at least one of the arm members may include agenerally J-shaped cradle portion. The base portion may include a tripodstructure. The base portion may include a mounting bracket adapted toclamp onto another object. The base portion may include a storage trayextending therefrom. The distal support member for at least one of thearm members may include a bracket adapted to retain a camera and/or alight. A third arm member may be attached to and extend from the baseportion. The gun support apparatus may include a dampener memberattached to and extending between the first and second arm members. Thebase portion may include a bracket adapted for attachment to awheelchair. The distal support member for at least one of the armmembers may include a bracket adapted to retain a fishing pole.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a gunsupport apparatus is provided, which includes a shaft, a first armmember, and a second arm member. The shaft extends along a longitudinalaxis. The first arm member is pivotably coupled to the shaft such thatthe first arm member may pivot about the longitudinal axis. The secondarm member is pivotably coupled to the shaft such that the second armmember may pivot about the longitudinal axis. The second arm member isadjacent the first arm member along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0015] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,a gun support apparatus is provided, which includes a base portion, afirst link, and a second link. The first link extends along a first linkaxis and attached to the base portion at a proximate end of the firstlink. The second link extends along a second link axis and attached tothe base portion at a proximate end of the second link. A distal end ofthe second link is attached to a distal end of the first link. An angleformed between the first link axis and the second link axis is less than90 degrees. The second link includes a shaft portion and a knob portion.The shaft portion has a threaded end. The knob portion has a threadedhole formed therein. The threaded end of the shaft portion is adapted tomate with the threaded hole to provide a variable length for the secondlink. The angle formed between the first link axis and the second linkaxis is preferably less than about 45 degrees. In a preferredembodiment, the angle formed between the first link axis and the secondlink axis is about 30 degrees, for example.

[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, agun support apparatus is provided, which includes a base portion, afirst link, and a second link. The first link extends along a first linkaxis and is attached to the base portion at a proximate end of the firstlink. The second link extends along a second link axis and attached tothe base portion at a proximate end of the second link. A distal end ofthe second link is attached to a distal end of the first link. An angleformed between the first link axis and the second link axis is less than90 degrees. The second link includes a slider mechanism adapted toprovide a variable length for the second link. The angle formed betweenthe first link axis and the second link axis is preferably less thanabout 45 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle formed betweenthe first link axis and the second link axis is about 30 degrees, forexample. The slider mechanism may include a piston portion and acylinder portion, wherein the piston portion is adapted to slidably fitwithin the cylinder portion. The piston portion may include a frictionelement adapted to provide a predetermined coefficient of frictionbetween the piston portion and the cylinder portion. The slidermechanism may include a dampener and/or a spring.

[0017] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, agun support apparatus is provided, which includes a base portion, afirst arm member, and a second arm member. The first arm member isattached to the base portion. The second arm member is attached to thebase portion. The first arm member includes a first upright member, afirst distal support member, and a first slider mechanism. The firstslider mechanism is pivotably coupled to the first upright member andpivotably coupled to the first distal support member, such that thefirst slider mechanism is located between the first distal supportmember and the first upright member. The first distal support member maybe adapted to be removably attached to a gun. The first slider mechanismmay include a piston portion and a cylinder portion, wherein the pistonportion is adapted to slidably fit within the cylinder portion. Thepiston portion may include a friction element adapted to provide apredetermined coefficient of friction between the piston portion and thecylinder portion. The first slider mechanism may include a dampenerand/or a spring. The second arm member may include a second uprightmember, a second distal support member, and a second slider mechanism.In such case, the second slider mechanism is pivotably coupled to thesecond upright member and pivotably coupled to the second distal supportmember, such that the second slider mechanism is located between thesecond distal support member and the second upright member. The baseportion may include an upright shaft, wherein the upright shaft extendsthrough the first and second upright members such that the first andsecond arm members are pivotably coupled to the base portion via theupright shaft.

[0018] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,gun support system is provided, which includes a base portion, gunsupport arms, and a storage tray. The gun support arms are attached toand extend from the base portion. The storage tray is attached to andextends from the base portion. The gun support system may include atleast three legs attached to and extending from the base portion. Forexample, the base portion may include a tripod stand, where the threelegs are part of the tripod stand. In such case, the tray may be locatedbetween the gun support arms and the tripod stand, for example.Preferably, the legs have adjustable lengths (e.g., for standing orsitting uses). The base portion may include a mounting bracket adaptedto clamp onto another object. As another alternative, the base portionmay include a bracket adapted for attachment to a wheelchair.

[0019] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, agun support kit for use with a wheelchair is provided, which includes inthe kit: a base portion and gun support arms. The base portion isadapted for being attached to a wheelchair. The gun support arms areattached to and extend from the base portion. Preferably, at least oneof the gun support arms is pivotably coupled to the base portion toallow for pivotal movement relative to the base portion. The baseportion may be adapted to be permanently or removably attached to awheelchair.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, amethod of assembling a gun support apparatus is provided. This methodincludes the following steps, the order of which may vary. First andsecond arm members are assembled. The assembling of each of the armmembers includes: attaching a first link to an upright member; attachingthe first link to a distal support member, such that the first link islocated between the distal support member and the upright member;attaching a second link to the upright member; and attaching the secondlink to the first link, wherein the second link has an variable length.The first arm member is attached to a base portion. The second armmember is attached to the base portion.

[0021] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,a method of assembling a gun support apparatus is provided. This methodincludes the following steps, the order of which may vary. A first armmember is attached to a shaft. The shaft extends along a longitudinalaxis. The first arm member is pivotable about the longitudinal axisrelative to the shaft. A second arm member is also attached to the shaftsuch that the second arm member may pivot about the longitudinal axis.The second arm member is adjacent the first arm member along thelongitudinal axis of the shaft when the gun support apparatus isoperably assembled.

[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, amethod of assembling a gun support apparatus is provided. This methodincludes the following steps, the order of which may vary. First andsecond arm members are assembled. The assembling of each of the armmembers includes: attaching a slider mechanism to an upright member, andattaching the slider mechanism to a distal support member. The slidermechanism is located between the distal support member and the uprightmember. The first arm member is attached to a base portion. The secondarm member is also attached to the base portion.

[0023] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention,a gun support apparatus comprises a first variable length arm having aproximate end pivotably coupled to an upright member, and a distal endpivotably coupled to a first distal support member. The first armcomprises a first slider mechanism located between the first distalsupport member and the upright member. The gun support apparatus furthercomprises a second arm having a proximate end pivotably coupled to theupright member, and a distal end pivotably coupled to a second distalsupport member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which showillustrative embodiments of the present invention and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a top view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an arm member of the first embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an end view of knob portion of the first embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the knob portion as taken along line5-5;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side view for part of the first embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a side view for part of a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a side view for part of a third embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a side view for part of a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment in use ona deer stand;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a side view of a person using an embodiment of thepresent invention in a seated position;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a side view of a person using an embodiment of thepresent invention in a prone position;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0043]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0044]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0045]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0046]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0047]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0048]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention being used by a gunsmith;

[0049]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention being used to hold a bow;

[0050]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention being used to hold a golf club;

[0051]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention being used to hold a bicycle;

[0052]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0053] FIGS. 29-31 show variations of a seventeenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0054]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an eighteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0055] FIGS. 33-35 illustrate a nineteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0056]FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a twentieth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0057]FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a second link for the twentiethembodiment;

[0058]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a twenty-first embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0059]FIG. 40 is an enlarged cut-away view of a second link of thetwenty-first embodiment;

[0060]FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective views of a twenty-secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a windage adjustment member;

[0062]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a gun rest with two piston-typesupport arms;

[0063]FIG. 45 is a top view of the gun rest of FIG. 44;

[0064]FIG. 46 is an exploded view of a piston assembly for the gun restof FIG. 44; and

[0065]FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the gun rest of FIG. 44 mountedon a track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers areused herein to designate like elements throughout the various views,illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown anddescribed. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in someinstances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in placesfor illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the many possible applications and variations of the presentinvention based on the following illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0067] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable gun rest 20 of the firstembodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the gun rest 20 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 1-6will be described next in detail, however, various aspects and featuresof the first embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1-6) may be varied, changed,deleted, altered, and/or substituted to form other embodiments inaccordance with the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gun rest 20 of the firstembodiment has two arm members 21, 22 attached to a base portion 24. Inthis case, the two arm members 21, 22 are pivotably coupled to the baseportion 24, as will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 is a bottomview for one of the arm members 21 from the gun rest 20 of FIGS. 1 and2. Each arm member 21, 22 may have an upright member 26, a distalsupport member 28, a first link 31, and a second link 32. The first link31 may be pivotably coupled to the upright member 26 and attached to thedistal support member 28. The first link 31 may have a fixed length andmay be pivotably coupled to the upright member 26 with a hinge coupling,for example. The distal support member 28 is attached to a distal end 34of the first link 31. Hence, the first link 31 is located between thedistal support member 28 and the upright member 26.

[0069] The second link 32 may be attached to the upright member 26 at aproximate end 36 of the second link 32 and may be attached to the firstlink 31 and/or the distal support member 28 at a distal end 38 of thesecond link 32. In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the secondlink 32 is pivotably attached to the upright member 26 and pivotablyattached to the distal end 34 of the first link 31. The second link 32preferably has a variable or adjustable length. Varying the length ofthe second link 32 causes the angle of the first link 31 relative to theupright member 26 (and relative to the base portion 24) to vary, whichhas the effect of raising/lowering the distal end 34 of the first link31. One of the advantages of the first embodiment is that length changesin the second link 32 translate into much smaller height adjustments forthe distal end 34 of the first link 31. Hence, the height for the distalend 34 of the first link 31 may be varied by very small and preciseamounts. This is useful for long range aiming with a gun, as slightelevation/tilt changes in a gun barrel translate to large elevationchanges in aim for a long distance target. This advantage and otherswill be discussed further below in conjunction with the illustrativefigures.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distal support member 28 mayinclude a slider shaft 40 with an attachment hole 42, and a generallyU-shaped cradle portion 44. The U-shaped cradle portion 44 may have acradle shaft 46 extending therefrom for use in attaching the cradleportion 44 to the slider shaft 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle shaft46 may extend through the attachment hole 42 of slider shaft 40 tocouple the cradle portion 44 to the slider shaft 40. A cradle set screw48 with a knob may be used to retain the position of the cradle portion44 relative to the slider shaft 40. Because the cradle shaft 46 has around cross-section in this embodiment, the cradle portion 44 may bepivoted within the attachment hole 42 to provide numerous positions forthe cradle portion 44. When the cradle portion 44 is set to a desiredheight and rotational position relative to the slider shaft 40, thecradle set screw 48 may be used to maintain the desired position of thecradle portion 44. A user may easily and quickly change the position ofthe cradle portion 44 without tools due to the knob provided on thecradle set screw 48 in this example.

[0071] In FIG. 3, the slider shaft 40 is shown without the cradleportion 44 attached thereto. As will be apparent from this disclosure,many different or optional support members or cradle members 44 may beattached to the slider shaft 40 to provide more versatility and uses ofthe gun rest 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal support member 28 may beslidably and removably attached to the distal end 34 of the first link31. A distal support member set screw 50 is provided to allow adjustmentof the position of the distal support member 28 relative to the firstlink 31. Also, other distal support members 28 may be insert andinterchanged at the distal end 34 of the first link 31, as desired.Preferably, the distal support member set screw 50 has a knob attachedthereto, which allows for tool-free adjustments.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the slider shaft 40 of this embodiment has asquare cross-section shape, which prevents the slider shaft 40 frompivoting relative to the first link 31 when operably installed. In otherembodiments, however, the slider shaft 40 may have other cross-sectionshapes, including but not limited to: round, oval, rectangular,triangular, and hexagonal, for example. Likewise, the cradle shaft 46may have other cross-section shapes in other embodiments.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cradle portion 44 is preferablymade from metal (e.g., steel, aluminum) with a rubber coating at theU-shaped portion. The rubber coating may be applied by dipping theU-shaped portion of the cradle portion 44 into molten rubber. The rubbercoating provides several advantages, including: preventing the gun restfrom scratching or damaging a gun stock during use, preventing orhindering a gun from sliding along the cradle portion during use, andabsorbing vibrations and/or shock to or from the gun during use of thegun rest, for example. In other embodiments, the cradle portion 44 maybe uncoated, wrapped with leather or cloth, or coated with anothermaterial, for example.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the first link 31 is made from steeltubing welded together. But in other embodiments, the first link 31 maybe made from other materials, including but not limited to: aluminum,titanium, carbon fiber composite, thermoplastic, nylon composite, orwood, for example. Also, the first link 31 may be formed from a singlebillet of material, or from multiple pieces of same or differentmaterials joined together (e.g., glue, adhesive, welded, bonded,screwed, bolted, riveted), for example. The first link 31 may be cast,forged, or extruded material, for example. With the benefit of thisdisclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize many differentvariations on the form and manufacture of the first link 31.

[0075] Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the second link 32 of the firstembodiment may have a shaft portion 52 with a threaded end 53 and a knobportion 54 with a threaded hole 56 formed therein. The threaded end 53of the shaft portion 52 is adapted to mate with the threaded hole 56 ofthe knob portion 54. FIGS. 4 and 5 show enlarged views of the knobportion 54. FIG. 4 is an end view of the knob portion 54. FIG. 5 is asectional view of FIG. 4 as taken along line 5-5. The threaded hole 56is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As the threaded end 53 of the shaft portion52 is threaded into the threaded hole 56 of the knob portion 54, thelength of the second link 32 is varied. The knob portion 54 may have aknurled outer ring 58 to provide enhanced grip of the knob portion 54.This knurled outer ring 58 is preferably made with a larger diameterthan the remainder of the knob portion 54 to provide more precisemovement and control of the knob portion's rotation during adjustment ofthe second link's length (i.e., adjusting the height of the distalsupport member 28 at the distal end 34 of the first link 31). As shownin FIG. 4, the knob portion 54 may have decorative holes 60 formedtherein, as an optional feature. These decorative holes 60 may bedesired to reduce the weight of the gun rest 20, which may enhance theportability of the gun rest 20. The knob portion 54 may be made from avariety of materials, including but not limited to: aluminum, steel,brass, nickel, iron, wood, plastic, nylon, thermoplastic, phenolic, orany combination thereof, for example. The knob portion 54 is preferablymachined from a single piece of cast, forged, and/or billet materialblock, for example, but may be made in other ways as well.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, a proximate end 62 of the knob portion 54 hasa second threaded hole 64 therein, which may or may not match the threadpattern, diameter, and/or pitch of the threaded hole 56. In the firstembodiment, the proximate end 62 of the knob portion 54 is bolted to aU-shaped bracket 66. The U-shaped bracket 66 may be pivotably coupled tothe upright member 26. This U-shaped bracket 66 may be part of thesecond link 32 or part of the upright member 26, for example. TheU-shaped bracket 66 is preferably made from steel sheet metal, but itmay be made from other materials and processes as well. A non-metalwasher 68 and/or a metal washer 68 may be provided between the U-shapedbracket 66 and the knob portion 54 and/or between the U-shaped bracket66 and the knob retaining screw 69. Such washer(s) 68 allow the knobportion 54 to rotate more smoothly and more easily relative to theU-shaped bracket 66. It is preferred to use a non-metal, low-frictionwasher 68 between the knob portion 54 and the U-shaped bracket 66. Thenon-metal washer 68 may be made from a variety of materials, includingbut not limited to: Teflon material, plastic, nylon, phenolic material,wood, silicon, fiberglass, graphite composite material, or anycombination thereof, for example. A metal washer 68 may be made from avariety of metal materials, including but not limited to: steel, brass,nickel, titanium, bronze, pewter, lead, beryllium steel alloy, cobaltsteel alloy, or any combination thereof, for example.

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base portion 24 of thefirst embodiment includes adjustable legs 70 and an upright shaft 72(discussed further below). The base portion 24 of this embodiment hasfour legs 70, each of which may be independently adjusted in their anglerelative to the remainder of the base portion 24. In other embodiments,there may be no legs, or the number of legs may differ (e.g., onestake-shaped leg for driving into the ground, three legs, etc.). A leg70 of a base portion 24 in other embodiments may not have an adjustableheight and/or length. Each leg 70 may have leg height adjustment screws74, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As a leg height adjustment screw 74 isturned, the angle of the respective leg 70 changes relative to theremainder of the base portion 24, which varies the height of the baseportion 24 at that leg 70. Other variations on the base portion 24 willbe discussed further below with respect to other embodiments, some ofwhich are illustrated in the figures herein.

[0078]FIG. 6 is a side view showing part of the first embodiment, withother parts removed for illustration. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows part ofthe base portion 24 with the upright members 26 of the first and secondarm members 21, 22 installed thereon. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, theupright members 26 may have a round hole 76 formed there through. Thebase portion 24 may include an upright shaft 72 extending therefrom. Asshown in FIG. 6, the upright shaft 72 may extend through the first andsecond upright members 26, such that the first and second arm members21, 22 are adjacent to each other along a rotational axis 78 of theupright shaft 72. Hence, the first and second arm members 21, 22 (viathe first and second upright members 26) may pivot or rotate about thesame axis 78 of the upright shaft 72.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6, an end cap 80 may retain the first and secondarm members 21, 22 on the upright shaft 72 of the base portion 24. Inthe first embodiment, an end cap screw 82 threads into a threaded holeformed in the end of the upright shaft 72 and extends through a beveledhole in the end cap 80. In other embodiments, however, the end cap 80may have a threaded shaft portion (not shown) extending therefromintegral to the end cap 80, for example. As shown in FIG. 6, a washer 84may be provided between the first and second upright members 26. Also, awasher 84 may be provided between the second upright member 26 and thebase portion 24. Such washers 84 may be metal or non-metal. Preferably,a non-metal, low-friction washer 84 is used to provide more smooth andcontrolled pivotal movement of the arm members 21, 22 about the baseportion 24. A non-metal washer 84 may be made from a variety ofmaterials, including but not limited to: Teflon material, plastic,nylon, phenolic material, wood, silicon, fiberglass, graphite compositematerial, or any combination thereof, for example. A metal washer 84 maybe made from a variety of metal materials, including but not limited to:steel, brass, nickel, titanium, bronze, pewter, lead, beryllium steelalloy, cobalt steel alloy, or any combination thereof, for example.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, an upright member set screw 86 may beused to retain the rotational position of an upright member 26 relativeto the base portion 24. Preferably, the upright member set screw 86 hasa knob to allow for tool-free adjustments. FIG. 6 shows threaded holes88 that may be formed in the upright members 26 for engaging withupright member set screws 86. The gun rest apparatus 20 may bedisassembled for storage and/or transporting it by removing the end cap80 and sliding the arm members 21, 22 off of the upright shaft 72. In apreferred embodiment, a circumferential groove (not shown) may be formedin the upright shaft 72, as an optional feature, at the height on theupright shaft 72 where an upright member set screw 86 engages the shaft72. When the upright member set screws 86 are tightened many timesagainst the shaft 72 during use of the gun rest, it may cause scratches,gouges, and/or ruts to be formed in shaft 72. Such abrasions to theshaft 72 may hinder the arm members 21, 22 from easily sliding on andoff the shaft 72. Adding strategically placed grooves in the shaft 72can provide a recessed portion where such abrasions on the shaft 72 maynot affect the movement of the arm members 21, 22 relative to the shaft72.

[0081] The upright shaft 72 and another part of the base portion 24 maybe formed for a single piece of material, or the upright shaft 72 may beattached via a weld and/or threads, for example. Although the baseportion 24 of the first embodiment includes an upright shaft 72, it maynot in other embodiments of the present invention. For example, FIGS.7-9 show alternative embodiments where the base portion 24 does notinclude an upright shaft 72 as in the first embodiment. FIGS. 7-9 showonly a portion of each embodiment for purposes of comparison to FIG. 6and for purposes of simplifying the illustration. Part of a secondembodiment is shown in FIG. 7, in which a first upright member 26 of afirst arm member 21 is pivotably coupled to a second upright member 26of a second arm member 22 via a first bearing 91. Similarly, in FIG. 7the second upright member 26 of the second arm member 22 is pivotablycoupled to a base portion 24 via a second bearing 92.

[0082] Part of a third embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, in which a firstupright member 26 of a first arm member 21 has a shaft portion 94extending therefrom. The shaft portion 94 extends through a secondupright member 26 of a second arm member 22 and through a base portion24. Hence, the shaft portion 94 of the third embodiment is part of thefirst arm member 21.

[0083] Part of a fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 9, in which a secondupright member 26 of a second arm member 22 has two shaft portions 96,98 extending therefrom. A first shaft portion 96 extends through a firstupright member 26 of a first arm member 21. A second shaft portion 98extends through a base portion 24. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, shaftportions 96, 98 are part of the second arm member 22.

[0084]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. The fifth embodiment is essentially identical to thefirst embodiment, except that the distal support members 28 aredifferent. In FIG. 10, a first distal support member 101 is attached tothe distal end 34 of a first link 31 for a first arm member 21. Thisdistal support member 101 has a trough-shaped cradle portion 102, whichmay be desired for accepting larger gun stocks therein. Also in FIG. 10,a second distal support member 104 is attached to the distal end 34 of afirst link 31 for a second arm member 22. This distal support member 104has a generally V-shaped cradle portion 106.

[0085]FIG. 10 shows a gun 108 having a long clip 110 on the gun rest 20of the fifth embodiment. One of the advantages of an embodiment of thepresent invention is that it may be used with guns 108 having long clipsor magazines 110. Many of the prior art gun rests lack the ability andversatility to be used with guns 108 having long clips 110.

[0086]FIG. 11 shows a gun rest 20 in accordance with a sixth embodimentof the present invention. This sixth embodiment is similar to the firstembodiment, except that the base portion 24 and the distal supportmembers 28 differ. As shown in FIG. 11, the base portion 24 may have agenerally plate-shaped portion 112 with mounting holes 114 formedtherein. Such a base portion 24 may be bolted to another object (e.g., atable, a deer stand, a tripod, a vehicle, a boat), for example. Also inanother example, such a base portion 24 may be staked to the ground(i.e., driving stakes (not shown) into the ground through the mountingholes 114).

[0087] The distal support members 28 of the sixth embodiment (FIG. 11),each includes a clamp portion 116. The clamp portion 116 may be usedlike a vise to hold the gun stock 118 firmly in place, for example, asshown in FIG. 11. The clamp portion 116 also may be fully opened toprovide a cradle for the gun 108 to rest in, rather than clamping it.The amount of clamping force exerted by the clamp members 116 may beadjusted. Knobs may be provided to allow for tool-free adjusting of theclamping force or clamp position. FIG. 11 shows a high-power huntingrifle 108 with a long-range scope 120 being retained by the gun restapparatus 20.

[0088]FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a gun rest apparatus 20 inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Thisseventh embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.1-3, except that the base portion 24 differs. The base portion 24 mayhave a bracket 122 to allow the gun rest 20 to be attached to anotherobject. FIG. 12 shows the gun rest 20 removably attached to a rail 124.Other objects that the gun rest 20 may be attached to include, but arenot limited to: a deer stand, a truck bed, a vehicle, a tree limb, alog, a trailer, a boat, a table, or a work bench, for example. FIG. 13shows a variation of the seventh embodiment being used on a deer stand126. Note in FIG. 13 that an embodiment of the present invention mayallow the user to steady and shoot the gun 108 with one hand, whileadjusting and tweaking the position of the gun rest 20 with the otherhand. This is yet another advantage of the present invention. In FIG.13, the hunter 128 is using a high-power rifle 108 with a long-rangescope 120 to fire on a target far away. While keeping the target withinthe scope 120 and maintaining control of the gun 108, the hunter 128 mayquickly, quietly, and easily fine tune his aim. These advantages,combined with the structural stability of the gun rest 20, may allow thehunter 128 to increase his shooting accuracy and provide a higherlikelihood of hitting the target in the proper location.

[0089]FIG. 14 shows a target shooter 128 using an embodiment of thepresent invention at a shooting range. Note that the shooter 128 in FIG.14 is in a seated position and the gun rest 20 is positioned on a table130. Because a gun 108 may be controlled and fired with one hand usingan embodiment of the present invention, this invention may allow aperson having use of only one hand or one arm to still enjoy firing agun 108. A person 128 may adjust the gun rest 20 and fire the gun(sequentially) with the same hand (i.e., single handed operation and useof the gun rest 20). The ability to rely on the gun rest to retain thegun 108 and the ability to easily adjust the gun rest 20 with one handmay make hunting and/or shooting activities more accessible to disabled,injured, and/or disfigured persons. For example, a user having only onearm (e.g., a disabled veteran) may still enjoy hunting or targetshooting with the use of the present invention. When the gun 108 isclamped in place on the gun rest 20 (at one or two of the distal supportmembers 28), a person 128 may adjust the position of the gun rest 20with one hand while the gun 108 is retained by the gun rest 20, forexample. Thus, making shooting and/or hunting feasible and accessible tomany disabled, injured, or disfigured persons is another advantage foran embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Another feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is the angle132 formed between the first link 31 and the second link 32, which isabout 30 degrees in a preferred embodiment. However, this angle 132 mayvary for other embodiments. Due to this configuration between theadjustable second link 32 and the first link 31, movements of the secondlink 32 translate into much smaller height adjustments for the distalsupport member 28 at the distal end 34 of the first link 31. Thus, eachmovement of the knob portion 54 on the second link 32 (adjusting itslength) translates into minute elevation/tilt changes for a gun barrel134 (of a gun 108 supported by the gun rest 20). This allows for minuteand precise adjustments of aim for long-range targets, which is yetanother advantage provided by an embodiment of the present invention.The amount of height adjustment for the distal support member 28 causedby a change in the length of the second link 32 may be varied byaltering the thread pitch (e.g., shaft threads 53 in FIG. 3 and threadedhole 56 of knob 54 in FIG. 5), and/or the angle 132 formed between thefirst link 31 and the second link 32. Also, the diameter of the knob 54where the user grabs and turns the knob 54 (e.g., knurled outer ring 58)may be varied to provide more or less lengthening for the second link 32per movement of the knob 54.

[0091] Often while hunting or in military combat scenarios, it may bedesirable to shoot a gun 108 accurately from a prone position. As shownin FIG. 15, an embodiment of the present invention may be used in aprone position while still providing a stable and precise platform forthe gun 108. In some situations or activities, it is desirable to getthe shooter 128 and the gun 108 as low to the ground or surface 136 aspossible. FIG. 16 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention,which provides the ability to position the gun 108 very close or on theground/surface. The distal support members 28 may include generallyJ-shaped cradle portions 138 that extend below the first links 31 of thearm members 21, 22, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0092]FIG. 17 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In theninth embodiment, one of the distal support members 28 has a platformportion 140. As shown in the FIG. 17, this embodiment may be used forsupporting a pistol 142, for example. FIG. 18 shows a tenth embodimentof the present invention. In the tenth embodiment, another variation ofthe distal support member 28 is shown. The distal support member 28 ofFIG. 18 is adapted to retain or support a camera 144 (e.g., stillcamera, video camera), for example. Such distal support member 28 mayhave mounting holes and/or mounting screws (not shown) adapted forparticular camera mounting locations. Also, in another embodiment (notshown), a distal support member may have an interior shape formed tomatch the contours or shape of a particular camera. Note that themultiple adjustment points on the distal support member 28 shown in FIG.18 allow for multi-axis adjustments. FIG. 19 shows an eleventhembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, a distalsupport member 28 of this embodiment may be adapted to retain or supporta light 146 (e.g., a spot light).

[0093]FIG. 20 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, a third arm member 153 is added. The third arm member153 shown in FIG. 20 differs from the first and second arm members 21,22. In other embodiments, however, a third arm member 153 may beidentical to the first and second arm members 21, 22. Also, anembodiment of the present invention may have a larger numbers of armmembers (e.g., four, five, etc.). The third arm member 153 may be usedto support other objects (e.g., still camera, video camera, spot light,support tray), for example.

[0094]FIG. 21 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.The base portion 24 of this embodiment is adapted to be attached to awheelchair 156. As shown in FIG. 21, the base portion 24 may include abracket 158 that removably attaches to a wheelchair frame. An uprightpost portion 160 of the base portion 24 may extend on either side of thewheelchair 156 (e.g., on left or right side of person seated inwheelchair 156), or it may extend from the middle region of thewheelchair 156 (e.g., extending between the legs of a person seated inwheelchair 156). The location of the upright post portion 160 may beadjustable from side-to-side and/or vertically to provide for moreversatility. The first and/or second arm members 21, 22 may be pivotablyadjustable relative to the upright post portion 160, and/or verticallyadjustable relative to the bracket 158. Thus, an embodiment of thepresent invention may provide access to hunting and shooting sports forhandicapped persons.

[0095]FIG. 22 shows another way that a person 128 in a wheelchair 156may use an embodiment of the present invention. In the fourteenthembodiment shown in FIG. 14, the base portion 24 includes a tripod stand162. The person 128 in the wheelchair 156 may position his wheelchair156 next to the gun rest 20 (and vice versa) to provide comfortable andversatile shooting positions. The gun rest 20 may be relied upon tosupport and/or retain the gun 108, and hence the strength of the person128 becomes less important. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the gun rest 20may allow for single handed operation. The legs of the tripod stand 162may have adjustable lengths (e.g., telescopic legs).

[0096] An embodiment of the present invention may have many other uses,in addition to or in alternative to holding a gun 108 while shooting thegun 108. FIG. 23 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.In the fifteenth embodiment, one of the distal support members 28 may beadapted to retain or support a fishing pole 164 (e.g., rod and reel),for example. As another example use, an embodiment of the presentinvention may be used by gunsmith 168 while working on a gun 108, asshown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of the present inventionbeing used to retain a bow 170 while working on the bow 170, forexample. FIGS. 26 and 27 show an embodiment of the present inventionbeing used to retain a golf club 172 and a bicycle 174, respectively,for example. With the benefit of this disclosure, a person will likelyrealize many other uses for an embodiment of the present invention.Hence, an advantage of the present invention is that an embodiment mayhave multiple uses, which further enhances its versatility.

[0097]FIG. 28 shows a perspective view for a sixteenth embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, a dampener or shock absorber 176may be attached between the first and second arm members 21, 22 (seee.g., FIG. 28). The dampener 176 (e.g., urethane cushioned, gas charged,and/or hydraulic/oil filled) may be permanently or removably attached toone or both of the arm members 21, 22. Preferably, the dampener 176 isremovably and adjustably attached to both arm members 21, 22. An end ofthe dampener 176 may be attached to an arm member 21, 22 in manydifferent locations to allow for many different configurations of thearm members 21, 22 relative to each other. An end of the dampener 176may be clamped to a first link 31 of an arm member 21, 22, for example.Also, an arm member 21, 22 may have multiple attachment holes (notshown) formed along its length to provide for multiple attachmentlocations for an end of the dampener 176, as another example. Thedampener 176 may absorb shocks and/or vibrations to and/or from the gun,such as recoil when the gun is fired, to enhance stability.

[0098] FIGS. 29-31 show a seventeenth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a storage tray 180 may be attached to andextend from the base portion 24. In FIG. 29, for example, the storagetray 180 is bolted to the base portion 24 using the same bolts 182 thatretain a tripod stand portion 162. The tripod stand portion 162 may haveadjustable-length legs, such as the telescopic legs 184 shown in FIG.29. The legs 184 of the tripod portion 162 are shown in an extendedconfiguration in FIG. 29, which may be desired when the user isstanding. As also shown in FIG. 29, the storage tray 180 may be usefulfor retaining miscellaneous items (e.g., bullets, hearing protection,sunglasses, keys, animal calling devices, a scent bottle, cigarettes, aknife, a pistol, a drink, lunch, a map, a cell phone, a GPS device, acommunication radio, spare targets, etc.), for example. Thus, a storagetray 180 may provide a desirable and useful feature or option to the gunrest 20.

[0099]FIG. 30 shows an alternative placement of the storage tray 180. Inthis example, the tray 180 is sandwiched between the tripod portion 162and the remainder of the gun rest 20. Again, the tray 180 may be held inplace by the same bolts 182 used to retain the tripod portion 162. Thelegs 184 of the tripod 162 are shown in a retracted configuration inFIG. 30, which may be desired when a user is sitting in a chair, sittingon the ground, or kneeling on the ground, for example.

[0100]FIG. 31 shows yet another way to attach the tray 180 to the baseportion 24. The tray 180 may be pivotably coupled to the base portion24, similar to the way an arm member (e.g., 21, 22, or 153) may beattached to the base portion 24. Hence, the tray 180 of FIG. 31 maypivot about the base portion 24 to change its position as desired.Although shown with a base portion 24 including a tripod stand 162 inFIGS. 29-31, a storage tray 180 may be incorporated into any embodimentof the present invention. In other embodiments (not shown), a storagetray 180 may be attached to the base portion 24 via one or more of thearm members (e.g., 21, 22, 153), for example (i.e., attached directly toan arm member). Also in other embodiments (not shown), the tray may havea cover, the tray may be deeper, or both, for example.

[0101]FIG. 32 shows an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, the second link 32 is the slider link, such that thevariable length of the second link 32 is due to a slider mechanismthereof. The second link 32 may include a dampener portion 186 and aspring portion 188, as shown in FIG. 32, for example. The second link 32may include a piston portion and a cylinder portion, where the pistonportion is adapted to slidably fit within the cylinder portion, forexample. In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 32), the pistonportion of the second link 32 may include a friction element adapted toprovide a certain coefficient of friction (see e.g., FIG. 40, discussedbelow). Such a friction element may be made from a variety of materials,including but not limited to: felt, rubber, Teflon, leather, orurethane, for example. The cylinder portion also may be finished,treated, or coated to provide a certain coefficient of friction andfeel. In another embodiment (not shown), the second link 32 of one orboth of the arm members (21, 22) may include a dampener 186 without aspring 188 or a spring 188 without a dampener 186. Also, in anotherembodiment, the dampener/spring combination may be replaced with an airor gas shock, for example, which may be adjustable by varying the gaspressure therein. With the benefit of this disclosure, one of ordinaryskill in the art will likely realize many other variations for providinga slider link at or for the second link on an arm member.

[0102] Also, the embodiment of FIG. 32 may be altered to include or makeuse of other distal support members 28. For example, distal supportmembers 28 having clamping portions (e.g., 116 of FIG. 11) may bedesired to enable a user to tilt a gun 108 up and/or down while the gun108 is securely held by the clamps of the distal support members 28. Byusing slider links at or for the second link 32, a user may changehis/her aim by simply moving the gun 108, while the gun rest 20maintains support for the gun 108 and preferably, the gun rest 20 may bebalanced and adapted to retain the new position until the user moves thegun 108 again. In other words, if the spring rate on spring members 188or a coefficient of friction for a friction member is tuned properly fora certain gun 108, the gun rest 20 may retain its current position untilmoved by a user. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the secondlink 32 (e.g., with a friction element and/or dampener) may allow theuser to make slight and precise movements of the gun 108 withoutremoving his/her hands from the shooting position and while stabilizingthe movement induced by the user. Also, the second link 32 may absorbshock, vibrations, or shaky movement that may otherwise be translated tothe gun 108 by the user. The second link 32 of this embodiment may alsoprevent movement of the gun 108 while pulling the trigger, but stillallow the user to make quick and smooth adjustments in aim as desired.In any of the embodiments described herein, the second link 32 and/orthe first link 31 may incorporate any of the adjustable or variablelength links shown herein, for example, to form other embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0103] FIGS. 33-35 illustrate a nineteenth embodiment of the presentinvention, in which the arm members 21, 22 are configured to pivot aboutdifferent axis 191, 192 (not coaxially aligned pivot axis). FIG. 33 is aside view and FIG. 34 is a top view, in which part of the base portion24 is not shown (for purposed of simplifying the drawings). Referring toFIG. 33, each arm member 21, 22 may pivot about a separate upright shaft201, 202 of the base portion 24. The first link 31 and the second link32, each may be pivotably coupled to the upright member 26 and thedistal support member 28, as shown in FIG. 33. The first link 31 mayhave a fixed or adjustable length. The second link 32 preferably has anadjustable length. In FIG. 33 the second link 32 shown with a threadedshaft 52 that mates with a knob portion 54. In other embodiments,however, the second link 32 may include a slider mechanism (e.g.,piston-in-cylinder configuration with or without friction element, gas,shock, dampener, and/or spring). The washer 84 used between the uprightmember 26 and the base portion 24 (e.g., about the upright shaft 201,202) may be selected so that a certain coefficient of friction isprovided to restrict pivotal movement of the arm members 21, 22. Inaddition or in alternative, set screws (not shown in FIGS. 33-35) may beused to retain the position of an arm member 21, 22 relative to the baseportion 24. Also, many different variations of the base portion 24(e.g., as discussed above) may be incorporated into the nineteenthembodiment.

[0104]FIG. 35 shows a variation on the nineteenth embodiment, in which athird arm member 153 (identical to the first and second arm members 21,22 in this example) is incorporated. Thus, any number of arm members maybe incorporated into an embodiment of the present invention. Also, withthe benefit of this disclosure, it should be apparent that thenineteenth embodiment may be combined with other embodiments describedherein to provide a hybrid or combination thereof. For example, thesixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 may be modified to include a third (orthird and fourth) arm member 153 from the nineteenth embodiment to forma combination of these embodiments. Another feature to note in thenineteenth embodiment is that there are no welded portions, which may bepreferred for ease in manufacturing. The parts shown in FIGS. 33-35 allmay be cast, forged, and/or machined, for example. Some of the partsused on an embodiment of the present invention may be over-the-counteror off-the-shelf parts provided by one or manufacturers (e.g., bolts,shafts) needing little or no modification.

[0105]FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a twentieth embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, an arm member 21, 22 may include anupright member 26, a distal support member 28, and a slider mechanism208. The slider mechanism 208 may be pivotably coupled to the uprightmember 26 and pivotably coupled to the distal support member 28, asshown in FIGS. 36 and 37, for example. The slider mechanism 208 mayinclude (but is necessarily not limited) a piston-in-cylinderconfiguration (with or without a friction element), a gas shock, adampener, and/or a spring member, for example. In the example shown inFIGS. 36 and 37, each arm has two slider mechanisms 208, and each slidermechanism 208 includes a dampener 186 and a spring member 188. Thedistal support members 28 are preferably adapted to be removableattached to the gun 108. For example, in FIGS. 36 and 37, a first distalsupport member 211 is bolted to a threaded hole (not shown) on the forestock 214 of the gun 108, and the second distal support member 212 isstrapped to the shoulder stock portion 216 of the gun 108. Some gunshave one or more threaded holes formed in the stock for attaching ashoulder strap, for example. Such threaded holes may be used to retainthe gun 108 to the gun rest 20 in some cases. The strap 218 of thesecond distal support member 212 may be made from a variety ofmaterials, including but not limited to: leather, canvas, nylon, orrubber, for example.

[0106] The spring rate and/or preloading of the spring members 188 forthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 may be chosen, varied, and/ortuned for a specific gun or group of guns, as the weight of differentguns varies, to provide an optimum balance for the gun rest 20. FIG. 38shows one way the spring preload may be varied and/or different springsmay be substituted. As shown in FIG. 38, a retainer collar 220 may beremovable attached within a groove 22 formed in a shaft 224 of theslider mechanism 208. Some or all of the pivot points where the slidermechanisms 208 attach may be held in place by pins. Such pins may beremovable without tools to provide a tool-free assembly/disassembly ofthe gun rest 20. Furthermore, the springs 188 may be changed to finetune the suspension of the gun rest 20 and the feel of the gun rest 20during movement of the gun 108. If desired, the springs 188 may beremoved and the gun rest 20 may be used without the springs 188.Furthermore, as an optional feature or included with the gun rest 20,different slider mechanisms may be swapped to make the gun rest 20adaptable to different gun weights and sizes. For example, the gun rest20 may come with a variety of slider mechanisms 208 with differentlengths and/or stiffnesses. Likewise, the gun rest 20 may come with avariety of springs 188 that may be swapped. Such features may also besold separately as optional accessories, for example. The same may betrue for other embodiments of the present invention as well (e.g.,interchangeable second link options). Also, in another embodiment, thedampener/spring combination may be replaced with an air or gas shock,for example, which may be adjustable by varying the gas pressuretherein.

[0107] The base portion 24 of the twentieth embodiment may have aflat-bottom stand portion 226, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, for example.The stand portion 226 preferably has attachment holes or bolts extendingtherefrom. In FIGS. 36 and 37, the stand portion 226 has attachmentholes 228. Hence, the base portion 24 may be bolted to another object(e.g., table, vehicle, stand, tripod). Also, stakes (not shown) may bedriven into the ground through the attachment holes 228 to secure thebase portion 24 to the ground. In another embodiment (not shown), thebase portion 24 may include legs that are adapted to be secured to theground. For example, such legs may have spiked or barbed leg tips (notshown). In alternative, the tips of the legs may have platforms withattachment holes formed therein (not shown), through which stakes may bedriven into the ground. With the benefit of this disclosure, one ofordinary skill in the art will likely realize many other variations onthe base portion 24 and/or legs of a base portion that may be readilyimplemented into an embodiment of the present invention to suit a givenapplication or use.

[0108]FIG. 39 shows a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention,which is a variation on the twentieth embodiment. In this embodiment,the slider mechanisms 208 include a piston portion 230 and a cylinderportion 232, as show in detail in FIG. 40. The piston portion 230 mayhave interchangeable friction elements 234 to provide a certaincoefficient of friction between the piston portion 230 and cylinderportion 232 as they are moved relative to each other. Hence, the numberand type of friction elements 234 may be varied by a user to fine tunethe movement and feel of the gun rest 20 while moving the gun 108 duringoperation of the gun rest system.

[0109] One of the advantages of the twentieth and twenty-firstembodiments is that a user may quickly, controllably, and smoothlychange his/her aim on a moving target with perhaps greater precision andcontrol than a person not using a gun rest 20 of the present invention.The slider mechanisms 208 may absorb and/or compensate for shocks,vibrations, and/or erratic movements between the user and the gun. Forexample, some users may have unsteady hands and/or weak arms. A gun rest20 of the present invention may thus improve the precision and accuracyof such person's shooting ability. Also, firing a semi-automatic,burst-fire, or fully-automatic weapon at a high rate of bullets perminute may make the gun difficult to handle or difficult to maintainaim. An embodiment of the present invention may provide enhancedstability and control of such firearms during such use. This may beparticularly important to a soldier in a combat situation, for example,where the soldier must quickly fire at multiple targets in a shortperiod of time. Also, in such combat situations where the adrenalinelevels are high, it is often difficult to keep a steady hand. Anembodiment of the present invention may compensate for a person'sshaking hands and/or quick or heavy breathing. Furthermore, anembodiment of the present invention may be used from a moving vehicle tohelp the shooter maintain stability of the gun 108 through thesuspension system of the gun rest 20. Hence, an embodiment of thepresent invention may provide tactical advantages for a soldier or otherusers (e.g., big game hunters). An embodiment of the present inventionmay also be useful to an animal handler, zoo keeper, and/or veterinarianattempting to hit a particular location on an animal with a tranquilizergun, for example.

[0110]FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective views of a twenty-secondembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by this embodiment,the first link 31 may be machined from a single piece of material (e.g.,aluminum) to provide a weld-free implementation of the first link 31.The distal support members 28 may include a generally U-shaped (orV-shaped, as another example) cradle portion 240 having fins 242extending toward the inside of the cradle portion 240, for example, asshown in FIG. 41. In a preferred embodiment, the fins 242 may be madefrom rubber, for example. The fins 242 may allow for a wide variety ofgun stock shapes and sizes to fit within a single cradle, whichincreases the versatility of the gun rest 20. Also, the fins 242 mayprovide dampening for vibrations and shocks to and/or from the gun(depending upon the shape and material of the fins). Preferably, thefins 242 are flexible material. The shape, length, and/or material(s) ofthe fins 242 may vary. During manufacturing, the fins 242 may be moldedor cut from a block of rubber with a water jet, for example. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 41, the fins 242 project from the cradle armsat a downward angle to act like barbs. Hence, after a gun stock isinserted into the cradle portion 240, the fins 242 may hinder the gun108 from being lifted out of the cradle portion 240 (e.g., as the gunkicks) and may help keep the gun 108 within the cradle 240 (e.g., if thegun rest 20 is moving-attached to a moving vehicle). In otherembodiments, however, the fins 242 may be positioned at differentangles.

[0111] Still referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, the legs 70 of thisembodiment have adjustable length and adjustable angles. In FIG. 42, thelegs 70 of the gun rest 20 are shown in a raised and extendedconfiguration to allow the gun rest 20 to be used from a seated orkneeling position, for example. However, when the legs 70 are retractedand the angle of the legs 70 relative to the base portion 24 isflattened, as show in FIG. 41, the gun rest 20 may have a configurationsimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 (the first embodiment). Leg extensionset screws 244 may be included to secure and retain the length of thelegs 70 after making adjustments. Preferably, the leg extension setscrews 244 include knobs to allow for tool-free adjustments, as shown inFIG. 41. Leg screw brackets 246 may be incorporated in an embodiment, asshown in FIG. 41, along with longer leg adjustment set screws 74 toprovide the ability to obtain wide range of adjustment of the legs 70,and thus a wide array of configurations/positions for the base portion24. Hence, the twenty-second embodiment shows yet another variation onthe base portion 24, which may be implemented into any of the otherembodiments of the present invention. One of the advantages of the baseportion 24 for the twenty-second embodiment (shown in FIGS. 41 and 42)is that a user may use the gun rest in a prone/lying-down position or ina seated or kneeling position. In another embodiment, the legs 70 may beextendable by another segment (not shown in FIGS. 41 and 42) to providea higher position (e.g., standing position) for the base portion 24.

[0112] Yet another feature to note on the twenty-second embodiment shownin FIGS. 41 and 42 is that the slider shaft 40 may include twoattachment holes 42; one inside the first link 31 and another outsidethe first link 31. This provides a variety of locations and adjustmentconfigurations for positioning a cradle portion 240 (or other holderportion) of the distal support member 28. Also, one of the attachmentholes 42 may be located higher than the other, such that a side view ofthe slider shaft 40 is generally S-shaped. Hence, the slider shaft 40may be flipped to make the outer attachment hole 42 higher or lower, asdesired, to providing additional versatility and adjustability for thegun rest 20.

[0113] It is often desirable or necessary to adjust the gun barrel leftor right to compensate for the wind direction and wind velocity. Suchadjustment is often referred to as a windage adjustment. An embodimentof the present invention may allow for gross windage adjustment bysimply pivoting one or more of the arm members 21, 22 about the baseportion 24. For some applications it may be desirable to have a moreprecise and minute windage adjustment.

[0114]FIG. 43 shows another variation for a distal support member 28,which provides the ability to perform minute and precise windageadjustments. The distal support member 28 of FIG. 43 includes a windageadjustment member 250. The windage adjustment member 250 may haveadjustment knobs 252 that actuate a common lead screw 254. The singlelead screw 254 extends from one knob 252 to the other knob 252. In otherembodiments, only one knob 252 may be used. An advantage of having twoknobs 252 is that a user can adjust the windage using either hand.Turing either knob 252 causes the lead screw 254 to turn, which causes asupport block 256 to slide left or right. The gun 108 is resting on thesupport block 256. Hence, as the support block 256 is moved left orright be the lead screw 254, the gun 108 is moved left or right, whichchanges the angle of the gun 108 relative to the target. For example,one turn on the knob 252 may translate to a movement of several inchesat a long-range target. The thread pitch may be varied on the lead screw254 to provide different amounts of sliding movement (for the supportblock 256) per knob turn.

[0115]FIGS. 44 and 45 are a perspective view and a top view,respectively, of a gun rest with two variable length arms. In thisembodiment, gun support apparatus 300 has a first variable length arm302 pivotally coupled between an upright member 304 and a first distalsupport member 306. The first arm 302 has a first slider mechanism 308located between the first distal support member 306 and the uprightmember 304. The gun support apparatus 300 also has a second variablelength arm 310 pivotally coupled between upright member 304 and a seconddistal support member 312. The second arm 310 has a second slidermechanism 314 located between the second distal support member 312 andthe upright member 304.

[0116] A gun may be removably attached to the first and second distalsupport members 306 and 312. In particular, the first distal supportmember 306 may be attached to a stock end of the gun, and the seconddistal support member 312 may be attached to a barrel end of the gun.The slider assemblies permit vertical movement of the gun, while therotation of the upright member permits horizontal movement of the gun.This embodiment generally allows rapid movement of the gun for fast yetstable acquisition of multiple targets or a moving target.

[0117] Preferably, a first acute angle formed between the first arm 302and the upright member 304 is greater than a second acute angle formedbetween the second arm 310 and the upright member 304. Generally, thiscauses the arm supporting the barrel end of the gun to be at more of avertical angle than the arm supporting the gun stock. In turn, thisgenerally allows a user to more easily move the barrel of the gun up anddown because vertical force exerted by the user is more directly in linewith the action of the slider mechanism.

[0118]FIG. 46 shows an exploded view of a piston assembly 330 that maybe used as the slider mechanisms 308 and 314 for the gun rest 300 ofFIG. 44. The piston assembly 330 comprises a cylinder portion 332 and apiston portion 334 slidably contained within the cylinder portion 332.The piston assembly 330 preferably comprises a friction element 336 thatprovides a variable amount of friction between the piston portion 334and the cylinder portion 332. The friction element 336 and piston 334may be held in place by cap 338 secured to cylinder 332 by set screw340.

[0119] The piston assembly also preferably comprises an adjustment knob342 for varying the amount of friction by applying variable force tofriction element 336. Friction element 336 may comprise plastic or PTFEor other suitable material, and may comprise slits along its sides.Preferably, the friction element 336 has a taper of, for example, about10 to about 15 degrees. As knob 342 is tightened or loosened, frictionelement 336 is forced to expand or contract, respectively, exerting avariable amount of force between the piston rod 344 and the cylinder332. Thus knob 342 may be adjusted depending on the weight of the gunand on other factors such as speed of movement required for a particularapplication. In an alternative embodiment, the amount of friction may bepreset and not adjustable.

[0120] As shown in other embodiments, the upright member 304 may berotatably coupled to an upright shaft mounted on a base. Knob 316 may beused to hold the upright member 304 securely on the upright shaft andmay be used to lock down upright member 304 and prevent movement. In analternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the gun rest 300 of FIG. 44may be mounted on a track 350. Upright member 304 may be slid back andforth in track 350, permitting horizontal movement of a gun. The track350 moves the pivot point from the upright member to about the back endof the gun stock, thus permitting a natural movement for the user as thegun is swept left and right. The track itself may be self supporting, ormay be mounted on a railing, ledge or windowsill of a deer blind orother structure. As shown in FIG. 47, the upright member is directlymounted to the track, but one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that there are many alternative arrangements comprehended bythe present invention. For example, the upright member may be mounted ona shaft, which shaft is traversably mounted to the track.

[0121] All alternatives and variations discussed herein with respect toany embodiment may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment. Forexample, many variations and types of distal support members 28 havebeen discussed herein. It should be noted that any of the distal supportmembers 28 may be used on any other embodiment of the present invention,and different distal support members 28 may be combined to provide othervariations and combinations.

[0122] As another example, only one of the arms instead of both may bevariable in length. There are many other variations within the scope ofthe present invention. One or more of the pivot points may be fixed. Thesecond arm may be mounted on the upright member at the same height as orhigher than the first arm, or they may be mounted on same pivot point. Alocking mechanism may be used to lock the arms in a selected position.The friction element may be a dampener or a spring. The two arms may notbe horizontally inline with each other. The upright member may comprisetwo or more pieces, with a mounted gun providing rigidity to theapparatus. A two-piece upright member may be mounted directly on a basewithout a shaft.

[0123] In many existing gun rests, lateral or left/right movementrequires a movement of the entire gun rest and/or an extension of an armaway from the base resulting in an increased moment arm, both of whichare undesirable for certain applications. Increasing the moment armwhile adjusting a gun rest may decrease the stability of the gun rest atthe new position. An advantage of an embodiment of the present inventionis that both arm members 21, 22 may be pivoted together about the baseportion to perform lateral or left/right adjustments while maintainingthe same stability. Both the fore and aft of the gun rest may beadjusted while moving the gun aim left or right. Hence, the stability ofthe gun and the gun rest may be unaltered by a lateral movement of thegun position when pivoting the arm members 21, 22 about the base portion24. Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is thatthe arm members 21, 22 may be moved together or separately whileadjusting the lateral aim and/or the elevation of the gun.

[0124] Although the figures herein have shown the gun 108 supported byboth arm members 21, 22, a user may use only one of the arms 21 or 22 tosupport a portion of the gun. While using only one of the arms 21 or 22,the other arm member may be pivoted to a position out of the way. Evenwhen only one of the arms 21 or 22 is used, an embodiment of the presentinvention still provides many advantages to a user. For example, somepeople are not strong enough to hold heavy rifles with a steady hand orto hold the gun comfortably due to the weight of the gun. By allowingthe gun rest 20 to support part of the gun's weight with one of the armmembers 21 or 22, a user may be able to comfortably handle larger orheavier guns.

[0125] Many existing gun rests require the user to adjust his/her bodyposition to the gun while using a gun rest. An advantage of anembodiment of the present invention is that the gun rest 20 may beadjusted to the users position due to the versatility of the gun rest20. A gun rest 20 of the present invention may be adjust from a lowposition (close to the ground/surface) to a seated position (legsextended or partial extended) to a standing position (legs fullyextended), for example. Thus, a gun rest 20 of the present invention maybe adjusted for a wide range of heights for the support arms 21, 22 toadapt to a wide range of user positions (e.g., lying prone, kneeling,sitting on ground, sitting at a table, sitting in a chair, standing).

[0126] Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention isthat the shooter may keep his/her eyes on the target while making anyadjustment (left, right, up, down) to any part of the gun rest 20. In apreferred embodiment, all of the adjustments may be made by hand(without tools) using ergonomic adjustment knobs. Preferably, the armmembers 21, 22 may be locked into place relative to the base portion 24using set screws 86 that thread into holes 88, for example (see e.g.,FIGS. 2 and 6-9). Also, other parts of the gun rest 20 may be locked inplace with set screws, for example. By allowing the parts of the gunrest 20 to locked in place after adjustments are made, a shooter maythen concentrate on his/her breathing and trigger squeezing techniques,while allowing the gun rest 20 to support the gun. This may greatlyincrease the accuracy and repeatability of a person's shooting, forexample.

[0127] Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present inventionis that the gun rest 20 may be easily and quickly adapted forright-handed and left-handed people by simply pivoting the arm members21, 22 to another position. Also, a gun rest 20 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention may provide a comfortable andnatural hand rest for the trigger hand on top of the first link 31.

[0128] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that this invention provides an adjustableand versatile gun rest apparatus having numerous uses and applications.It should be understood that the drawings and detailed descriptionherein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivemanner, and are not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, the invention includesany further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scopeof this invention, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it isintended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all suchfurther modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions,alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gun support apparatus, comprising: a baseportion; a first arm attached to the base portion, the first armcomprising a first upright member, a first distal support member, afirst elongated link pivotably coupled to the first upright member andattached to the first distal support member, wherein the first elongatedlink is located between the first distal support member and the firstupright member, and a first slider link attached to the first uprightmember and attached to the first elongated link, wherein the slider linkcomprises a first piston portion, and a first cylinder portion, whereinthe first piston portion is adapted to slidably fit within the firstcylinder portion, a second arm attached to the base portion, the secondarm comprising a second upright member, a second distal support member,a second elongated link pivotably coupled to the second upright memberand attached to the second distal support member, wherein the secondelongated link is located between the second distal support member andthe second upright member, and a second variable length link attached tothe second upright member and attached to the second elongated link. 2.The gun support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second variable lengthlink is a second slider link comprising: a second piston portion, and asecond cylinder portion, wherein the second piston portion is adapted toslidably fit within the second cylinder portion.
 3. The gun supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slider link comprises a frictionelement adapted to provide a variable coefficient of friction betweenthe first piston portion and the first cylinder portion.
 4. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slider link furthercomprises a dampener portion.
 5. The gun support apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first slider link further comprises a spring.
 6. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dampener attached toand extending between the first and second arms.
 7. A gun supportapparatus, comprising: a base portion; a first link extending along afirst link axis and attached to the base portion at a proximate end ofthe first link; and a second link extending along a second link axis andattached to the base portion at a proximate end of the second link,wherein a distal end of the second link is attached to a distal end ofthe first link, wherein an angle formed between the first link axis andthe second link axis is less than 90 degrees, and wherein the secondlink comprises a slider mechanism providing a variable length for thesecond link.
 8. The gun support apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising: a third link extending along a third link axis and attachedto the base portion at a proximate end of the third link; and a fourthlink extending along a fourth link axis and attached to the base portionat a proximate end of the fourth link, wherein a distal end of thefourth link is attached to a distal end of the third link, wherein anangle formed between the third link axis and the fourth link axis isless than 90 degrees, and wherein the fourth link comprises a slidermechanism providing a variable length for the fourth link.
 9. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second links arejointly rotatable about the base, and wherein the third and fourth linksare jointly rotatable about the base independent of the first and secondlinks.
 10. The gun support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the angleformed between the first link axis and the second link axis is variablebetween about 10 degrees and about 50 degrees.
 11. The gun supportapparatus of claim 10, wherein the angle formed between the first linkaxis and the second link axis is variable between about 20 degrees andabout 40 degrees.
 12. The gun support apparatus of claim 7, wherein theslider mechanism comprises: a piston portion; and a cylinder portion,wherein the piston portion is adapted to slidably fit within thecylinder portion.
 13. The gun support apparatus of claim 12, wherein theslider mechanism comprises a friction element adapted to provide avariable coefficient of friction between the piston portion and thecylinder portion.
 14. The gun support apparatus of claim 7, wherein theslider mechanism comprises a dampener.
 15. The gun support apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the slider mechanism comprises a spring.
 16. A gunsupport apparatus, comprising: a base portion; a first arm attached tothe base portion; and a second arm attached to the base portion, whereinthe first arm comprises a first upright member, a first distal supportmember, and a first slider mechanism pivotably coupled to the firstupright member and pivotably coupled to the first distal support member,wherein the first slider mechanism is located between the first distalsupport member and the first upright member.
 17. The gun supportapparatus of claim 16, wherein the first distal support member isremovably attachable to a gun.
 18. The gun support apparatus of claim16, wherein the first slider mechanism comprises: a piston portion; anda cylinder portion, wherein the piston portion is slidably containedwithin the cylinder portion.
 19. The gun support apparatus of claim 18,wherein the first slider mechanism comprises a friction element adaptedto provide a variable coefficient of friction between the piston portionand the cylinder portion.
 20. The gun support apparatus of claim 16,wherein the first slider mechanism comprises a dampener.
 21. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first slider mechanismcomprises a spring member.
 22. The gun support apparatus of claim 16,wherein the second arm comprises: a second upright member; a seconddistal support member; and a second slider mechanism pivotably coupledto the second upright member and pivotably coupled to the second distalsupport member, wherein the second slider mechanism is located betweenthe second distal support member and the second upright member.
 23. Thegun support apparatus of claim 22, wherein the base portion comprises anupright shaft, and wherein the upright shaft extends through the firstand second upright members, such that the first and second arms arepivotably coupled to the base portion via the upright shaft.
 24. Amethod of assembling a gun support apparatus, the method comprising:assembling first and second arm members, wherein assembling of each ofthe arm members comprises attaching a slider mechanism to an uprightmember, and attaching the slider mechanism to a distal support member,such that the slider mechanism is located between the distal supportmember and the upright member; attaching the first arm member to a baseportion; and attaching the second arm member to the base portion.
 25. Agun support apparatus, comprising: an upright member; a first distalsupport member; a first variable length arm having a proximate endpivotably coupled to the upright member, and a distal end pivotablycoupled to the first distal support member, the first arm comprising afirst slider mechanism located between the first distal support memberand the upright member; a second distal support member; and a second armhaving a proximate end pivotably coupled to the upright member, and adistal end pivotably coupled to the second distal support member. 26.The gun support apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: a base; andan upright shaft coupled to the base, wherein the upright member isrotatably coupled to the upright shaft.
 27. The gun support apparatus ofclaim 26, wherein the base comprises a traversable track, and whereinthe upright shaft is traversably mounted to said track.
 28. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first slider mechanismcomprises: a piston portion; and a cylinder portion, wherein the pistonportion is slidably contained within the cylinder portion.
 29. The gunsupport apparatus of claim 28, wherein the first slider mechanismcomprises a friction element providing a variable amount of frictionbetween the piston portion and the cylinder portion.
 30. The gun supportapparatus of claim 25, wherein the second arm is a variable length arm,and further comprises a second slider mechanism located between thesecond distal support member and the upright member.
 31. The gun supportapparatus of claim 30, wherein the first and second slider mechanismseach comprise: a piston portion; a cylinder portion, wherein the pistonportion is slidably contained within the cylinder portion; and afriction element providing a variable amount of friction between thepiston portion and the cylinder portion.
 32. The gun support apparatusof claim 31, wherein the first and second slider mechanisms each furthercomprise an adjustment knob for varying said variable amount of frictionby applying variable force to said friction element.
 33. The gun supportapparatus of claim 25, wherein the first arm extends along a first linkaxis, wherein the second arm extends along a second link axis, andwherein the first and second link axes are horizontally inline with eachother and vertically offset from each other.
 34. The gun supportapparatus of claim 25, wherein the first and second distal supportmembers are removably attachable to a gun.
 35. The gun support apparatusof claim 34, wherein the first distal support member is adapted toremovably attach to a stock end of said gun, wherein the second distalsupport member is adapted to removably attach to a barrel end of saidgun, and wherein a first acute angle formed between said first arm andsaid upright member is greater than a second acute angle formed betweensaid second arm and said upright member.
 36. The gun support apparatusof claim 25, wherein said upright member is directly traversably mountedto a track.
 37. The gun support apparatus of claim 25, furthercomprising a base, wherein said base comprises a track, and wherein saidupright member is traversably attached to said base.
 38. A method ofassembling a gun support apparatus, the method comprising: pivotablycoupling a proximate end of a first variable length arm to an uprightmember; pivotably coupling a first distal support member to a distal endof the first variable length arm, wherein the first arm comprises afirst slider mechanism located between the first distal support memberand the upright member; pivotably coupling a proximate end of a secondarm to the upright member; and pivotably coupling a second distalsupport member to a distal end of the second arm.